Statistics show a fall in crime rate (From Evesham Journal)

Statistics show a fall in crime rate

8:00am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in Evesham

CRIME in Worcestershire has fallen by more than 10 per cent compared to the same time last year, new statistics have revealed.

Figures released by West Mercia Police show 16,256 recorded crimes in Worcestershire between April 1 and September 30, compared to 18,651 for the same months the previous year, a fall of 12.8 per cent.

Those figures are marginally better than for the whole West Mercia force area, where crimes recorded during the same periods fell by 11.5 per cent, from 36,309 last year to 32,147 this year.

Assistant chief constable Gareth Morgan said he was delighted to see police’s efforts making Worcestershire a safer place to live.

“This reduction in recorded crime demonstrates the hard work that our officers, staff and partners put in to prevent and detect offences,” he said. “We are always pleased when crime falls and there are fewer victims, but we are not complacent and the public can continue to help us catch criminals by providing information and help to prevent crime by keeping their homes and personal belongings secure.”

Sheila Blagg, chairman of West Mercia Police Authority, said the figures were particularly welcome at a time when forces are facing pressures from funding cuts.

“We have worked tirelessly with the force to ensure our resources are focused on the areas of need to make sure greatest impact is realised at this time of reduced funding,”

she said. “Our officers and staff can be proud of the dedication they show to protect our communities.”